Method for manufacturing a pop-up article

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs of material using an inline printing press. The article comprises a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device enclosed within a base piece, such that when the base piece is in a closed position, the pop-up device lies flat therein, but when the base piece is moved to an open position, the pop-up device is forced outwardly from the base piece to form a curved or generally semi-cylindrical shape. The method comprises processing a first web or ribbon to define a base piece having a front and back cover, processing a second web or ribbon to define a pop-up device, separating the pop-up device from the second web or ribbon, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to the front cover, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to the rear cover, and separating the article from the first web or ribbon.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0001]The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for creating a pop-up article from one or more continuous webs using an inline printing press. The article includes a foldable base piece having a device thereon for forming a curved or semi-cylindrical pop-up.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002]Pop-up articles are particularly useful in advertising. For example, advertising pieces such as brochures, fliers, and direct mailers are well-established media for advertising goods and services. Pop-up articles are also widely used for educational and entertainment purposes, such as in children's books. An essential attribute of such media is that it must attract and hold a viewing person's attention. Therefore, these printed articles are preferably visually appealing to stimulate a person's interesting.[0003]Pop-up articles including pop-up devices that have clever three-dimensional shapes are particularly effective at capturing attention. Typical pop-up devi...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The present invention provides a method for making a pop-up article with a curved or semi-cylindrical pop-up device. The method involves processing a first web to define a foldable base piece, processing a second web to define a pop-up device, separating an individual pop-up device from the second web, adhering a tab of the pop-up device to a front cover of the base piece, adhering a front flap of the pop-up device to a back cover of the base piece, and separating an individual base piece from the first web. The front cover and the back cover are preferably symmetrically disposed about a fold so that the terms \"front cover\" and \"back cover\" are essentially interchangeable herein with regard to the pop-up article and the manufacture thereof. The invention allows for the efficient production of pop-up articles from continuous webs of material processed by an inline printing press line."

Problems solved by technology

However, often such pop-up devices are complex to manufacture, and are therefore impractical to produce on a large scale, because they require manual assembly and / or multiple steps to produce.

However, the manufacture of such a curved or generally semi-cylindrical pop-up device has heretofore been possible only using manual manufacturing techniques, and thus was impractical on a large scale.

The pop-up device is actuated by a tab that is fed through an aperture or slit in the pop-up device itself, rendering it impossible to manufacture the disclosed graphic piece from a continuous web using an inline printing press.

Additionally, the pop-up device is made from a single piece of material and does not disclose, teach, or suggest adjoining an ornamental feature extending outwardly from an edge of the pop-up device to enable the pop-up device to visually simulate a handle of a beverage mug.

Additionally, the internal substrate is made from a single piece of material and does not disclose, teach, or suggest adjoining an ornamental feature extending outwardly from an edge of the pop-up device to enable the pop-up to visually simulate a handle of a beverage mug.

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